Sue Kirby

PUPILS have put the brakes on motorists after campaigning to reduce the speed outside their school.

A team of youngsters at Hetton School have helped persuade Sunderland Council bosses to half the speed limit on the aptly named Hazard Lane, which runs past their North Road building.

The Year 7 students spent weeks researching, reporting and interviewing people about the dangers to pupils and the public from the 60mph road and even got their MP, Bridget Phillipson, to back the campaign.

Now the council has announced plans to reduce the speed limit to 30mph and put a footpath in place on the winding country road, which links Hetton to East Rainton, with funding from the Coalfield Area Committee and Hetton Town Council.

“This is a tremendous relief for us,” said Andrew Hindle, a teacher at the school.

“The road is not where the main pupil entrance is, but our pupils do still use it and it has been a cause of worry for us for a number of years.”

The pupils made a video report on the situation with the road, which appeared on the BBC’s School Report, and they are thrilled their work has now paid off.

Mr Hindle said: “They are absolutely delighted, and were thrilled to get a letter from the House of Commons from their MP.

“It is nice for the students to think their voices have been heard and helped push this issue along.”

Andrew Jackman, interim assistant head of traffic, road safety and parking with the authority, said: “Sunderland City Council regularly reviews speed limits, monitors all road traffic accidents and listens to people’s concerns about road safety issues.

“The council has decided to reduce the speed limit on Hazard Lane/Robin Lane following concerns from Hetton School, local residents and councillors about the speed of traffic on this road.

“We will be lowering the speed limit to 30mph and putting in a new footway to the Hazard Lane entrance.

“These improvements will be in place for the start of the new academic year in September, and should make it safer for students going to and from Hetton School.”